Florine Johnson

FLORINE JOHNSON was born February 18, 1919 to Albert and Anna (Price) DeBall in Gray Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school through the eighth grade. She was united in marriage to Joseph Johnson on September 22, 1933 and to this marriage three sons were born – James, Dennis, and Dale. The couple made their home in Pipestone, Minnesota. Florine worked for many years at Fecker’s Poultry, later accepting a position at Pipestone County Hospital as head of housekeeping. She felt honored by being asked to keep minutes for the physician’s infectious control meetings; a highlight of her life. Her co-workers knew her to be very conscientious and thoughtful. Florine retired in the early 1980’s to spend more time with her husband, Joe, who later died in 1989. Florine continued to live in her home until December of 2011 when she entered Good Samaritan Community of Pipestone. There she died on Friday, March 16, 2012 at the age of 93 years, and 28 days.

Florine was a charter member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minnesota, and served on various boards, giving freely of her time and talents. She also participated in the Hiawatha Pageant for many years. Later in life she joined the Red Hat Society. Florine was a gifted poet, writer, artist, painter, a good listener, and wonderful cook. She enjoyed fishing, buying and selling at flea markets, and especially time spent with her family.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, James (and Margaret) Johnson of Woodbury, Minnesota, Dennis (and Inez) Johnson of Willmar, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Sarah Fjellanger of Lakeville, Minnesota; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, Jean Larson of Long Beach, California; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; son, Dale; numerous sisters and brothers; and two grandchildren, Phyllis Walker and Mark Johnson. Blessed be her memory!